Centre faces class cuts as search for handyman fails

NEW Haw Community Centre might be forced to cut classes after appeals for a handyman have drawn a blank. Hall manager Liz Smith said the centre had been advertising for six months for a new employee to help with essential odd jobs but there had been no takers. A person is needed to help set up and clear the tables and chairs, in particular before and after the classes for the more elderly visitors to the centre. Other jobs would include watering the garden during the summer and sweeping and tidying around the centre. Mrs Smith said classes with mainly elderly participants would have to be reconsidered, as a last resort, if the vacancy was not filled. She said: “We are desperately in need of someone to do the job. “We are getting to the stage where we may have to cancel some of these elderly groups if there is nobody to help. We really don’t want to have to do that. “We want the centre to be open to everybody and not just the select few who can move around their own tables and chairs. It is becoming a real worry.” Mrs Smith said elderly visitors could not be expected to move tables and chairs around on health and safety grounds. The centre previously employed a cleaner who would help out with these odd jobs but since he left in April they have struggled to find a replacement. The community centre has been in Woodham Lane for 50 years and was extended and modernised six years ago. At least 1,000 people use the centre each week in a wide range of classes, groups and activities. These include the Cultural Society, Byfleet Wine Club, the WI, Runnymede Flower Club, and groups from the Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Islamic communities. Other classes include bridge, badminton, aerobics, ballet, pilates, yoga and square dancing. The hall is also hired out for private groups and functions on a regular basis. The job would involve varying hours dependent on what was needed doing. Pay would be by the hour at a negotiable rate. If you are interested in the job and would like to earn a bit of extra money contact the community centre on 01932 846927 or Liz Smith on 01932 347769.